This Trainer Has No Sportsmanship

Under the combined assault from all sides, even Sacred Word Neuron Insect, protected by the swarm, could not escape. Silent Magician's second Shadow Ball shattered it completely.

In an instant, a massive amount of spiritual energy scattered outward. After Silent Magician absorbed part of it, she leveled up on the spot, and evolutionary light bloomed around her!

True Silent Magician

Within the dazzling radiance, Silent Magician's body underwent a dramatic transformation. In the blink of an eye, she grew from an eight-year-old child into an eighteen-year-old young woman. Her straight, flat silhouette became a curvaceous S-shape, while her long silver hair fluttered in the wind and gleamed beneath the sunlight.

[Silent Magician (Four-Star) LIGHT attribute]

[Lineage: Psychic]

[Level: 22]

[Talent: Frenzy]

[Attack Power: 1000 (1050)]

[Defense Power: 1000 (1050)]

[Spellcaster, Effect: ① This spirit's attack power increases by the number of Spell Cards in the Trainer's hand × 500; ② At fixed intervals, can negate the activation of one Instant-Activation Spell Card; ③ When this spirit is destroyed, descends again in any other form]

Everyone knew that white-haired characters had a special critical-hit effect on Chinese people. Even You Zhi was dazed for a moment when he saw Silent Magician's new appearance, but he quickly complained, "Why is it a girl again?! Didn't we agree that you'd evolve into a cool spirit like Dark Magician?"

"..."

An apologetic expression appeared on Silent Magician's face.

Alisa could not stand it anymore. "What form a spirit evolves into isn't something she gets to decide herself. It's like how an ugly duckling is destined to grow into a white swan. It's determined by genetics, not by whatever you want. Did you imagine having a pair of wings when you were little? Did you grow wings once you became an adult?"

You Zhi thought that with Strength-Weakness Mimicry, he actually could grow himself a pair of wings.

Of course, he did not argue back. He really was in the wrong here. Who told him he had failed to tell whether his own spirit was male or female?

But then again, with Silent Magician's flat-chested tomboy appearance before evolving, who could have guessed that she would grow into such a gorgeous, curvaceous beauty?

Suddenly, You Zhi remembered how Phile had burst out laughing and said, "Absolutely impossible," when he wished for Silent Magician to evolve into a handsome spirit. So that was where it had come from!

Reining in his wandering thoughts, You Zhi compared the Cheat Appraisal with the Pokédex's description and quickly came to several conclusions.

First, Silent Magician was still Four-Star. Her attack, defense, and many other attributes had not changed. Only her traits and talent had changed. Her talent had become "Frenzy," which, by normal logic, should rank above Ferocious Rank.

Second, the first trait was easy to understand. Before evolving, she had needed her opponent to draw cards in order to increase her attack power. Her current trait put the initiative in her own hands, allowing her to function even against wild spirits. Its versatility had increased dramatically. From the perspective of maximizing efficiency, the best method would be to massively increase her attack power by crafting E-rank Spell Cards. He would have to try those E-rank Spell Cards with unclear summoning purposes if he got the chance in the future.

Third, the second trait was equally easy to understand. The key was the third trait. He did not know whether her previous injuries would remain after she descended again. If all injuries were healed, then it would be equivalent to gaining an extra life. That effect was far too overpowered. But if the injuries remained unchanged, would she not just die again immediately after reviving? After all, a spirit's vitality was tied to its star rating, and Silent Magician's two forms had the same star rating.

"What are you spacing out for? I know you're happy that your spirit evolved, but now isn't the time to think about celebrating. We need to go help Eve and the others," Alisa urged.

"You're right. Let's go."

This was not the time for testing. You Zhi naturally knew what mattered most, and he immediately headed toward the other two battlefields.

The facts proved that there was a reason those people could be protagonists. Although they had been a little less efficient, by the time You Zhi and Alisa arrived, the main party had successfully dealt with their respective targets. At most, one or two layers of their protective barriers had been broken.

Once the three X-Krawlers died, all the Krawlers stopped moving. They lay motionless on the ground, their red lights no longer flashing, like exquisite statues.

"We did it!"

Auram dropped onto the ground on his backside and let out a long breath.

Anyone facing an army of Krawlers stretching across the mountains would inevitably feel frightened. If their operation failed and they could not kill the X-Krawlers—or if killing them turned out to be useless—they would probably have to lose a layer of skin before they could escape alive.

Ningirsu did not relax. Weary, he said, "Extract the Star Power quickly. We may have successfully stopped the Krawlers from moving for now, but no one can guarantee what will happen next."

You Zhi noticed that every member of the main party looked exhausted. It was not because of today's decapitation raid, but from the fatigue accumulated over the past few days. After all, he and Alisa had merely commanded their spirits in battle, while the main party had fought personally. They had traveled while fending off Krawler harassment. Even young people with strong recovery could not endure such constant exhaustion.

"Looks like we need to find somewhere to rest after today."

As You Zhi pondered this, he suddenly sensed several powerful waves of spiritual energy descending from the sky. Turning around, he saw seven pillars of light fall onto a nearby hillside. Each was a different color, and together they looked like a rainbow bridge.

Alisa murmured, "Seven kinds of light... could they be the Ultimate Crystal Gods?"

You Zhi corrected her. "Without a doubt, they are the seven Mekk-Knights that rule this world. It seems they've discovered our operation. Retreat immediately."

Lee the World Chalice Fairy flitted among the pieces of Star Armor as she said, "Please wait a moment. As long as I find the core, I can draw out the Star Power at once."

Ningirsu said, "I agree with You Zhi. We can absorb power whenever we want. Preserving ourselves is more important."

Eve, however, said, "We don't need to move the Star Armor. We only need to absorb the Star Power, and it can be done quickly, just like last time. If we leave now, the enemy will definitely strengthen their defenses next time. This is our best chance."

Alisa stated, "I don't have an opinion. Staying or retreating is fine, but you need to make a decision quickly."

Everyone then turned their eyes toward Auram.

Cold sweat broke out on Auram's forehead. He hesitated for a moment. Both sides seemed reasonable. One choice was safer, but it meant all their hard work over the past few days would be wasted. The other was more aggressive, but it required gambling everyone's lives.

Seeing the seven rainbow lights speeding toward them, he had no choice but to force himself to decide. "I think..."

"I found it!"

Liss suddenly cried out in delight, plunging Auram, who had originally wanted to retreat, back into hesitation.

"There's no time. Prepare for battle!"

You Zhi decisively commanded his spirits to attack the Mekk-Knights. Alisa and Ningirsu followed right behind him, while Eve hurriedly opened a barrier.

"Damn it!"

Aurum slammed a fist into the ground. Knowing that he had made a huge mistake, he hurriedly turned to Liss. "Give all of this Star Power to Imduk!" With that, he rushed forward after the others.

Being a Trainer Is So Hard

Taking the lead, You Zhi decisively chose the two Mekk-Knights with the highest star ratings and levels.

[Mekk-Knight Purple Nightfall (Eight-Star) LIGHT attribute]

[Lineage: Steel-type, Fighting-type]

[Level: 40]

[Attack Power: 2500 (2500)]

[Defense Power: 2000 (2000)]

[Psychic-type, Effect: ① Omitted; ② Can only be activated by targeting 1 "Mekk-Knight" monster on your field. Banish that monster until the Standby Phase of your next turn, then add 1 "Mekk-Knight" monster other than "Mekk-Knight Purple Nightfall" from the deck to your hand. This effect can also be activated during your opponent's turn.]

[Mekk-Knight Indigo Eclipse (Eight-Star) LIGHT attribute]

[Lineage: Steel-type, Psychic]

[Level: 40]

[Attack Power: 2400 (2400)]

[Defense Power: 2400 (2400)]

[Psychic-type, Effect: ① Omitted; ② Once per turn, can only be activated by targeting 1 monster on your field. Move that monster to another Main Monster Zone on your field. This effect can also be activated during your opponent's turn.]

"Yihao, Neon Mu Jin, tie them down. Focus on delaying them."

You Zhi summoned Divergent Lizard Yihao and Neon Stone Sprite, having each of them hold off one Mekk-Knight. At the same time, because Neon Stone Sprite's trait activated, "Icejade Erosion" appeared in his hand. This time, however, he did not set it on the field to absorb spiritual energy. Instead, he kept it in hand and hurriedly accelerated the crafting of other Spell Cards.

Mekk-Knight Purple Nightfall swung its spear. Its fierce and exquisite spear technique seemed to combine every masterful spear art in human history. Sparks flew whenever it struck Divergent Lizard Yihao's steel armor, and when it occasionally hit an unarmored part of his body, it left deep wounds.

In comparison, Divergent Lizard Yihao's fighting style looked highly unprofessional. It seemed broad and straightforward, like a fierce general on a battlefield, yet it hid many vicious tricks from street brawls in its details. They were all practical techniques he had learned while training with his master.

Divergent Lizard Yihao swept his arm out, using his steel armor to knock aside the opponent's spear, then lunged forward in a waist-level tackle.

Mekk-Knight Purple Nightfall had never seen such a fighting style, but it still reacted correctly in an instant. It twisted aside to dodge while spinning its spear and thrusting fiercely.

But as Divergent Lizard Yihao missed, he rolled with the momentum. He avoided the thrust, and his long tail suddenly lashed out without warning, wrapping around Mekk-Knight Purple Nightfall's calf and forcibly dragging it down. He then flipped over and pounced on it, grappling with it on the ground.

With both sides pressed together at such close range, Mekk-Knight Purple Nightfall did not have enough room to use its spear technique at all. It tried to shove Divergent Lizard Yihao away, but Yihao clung to it like a koala and refused to let go.

For a time, the two rolled and wrestled continuously on the ground, throwing punches and elbows whenever they found an opening. At first glance, they looked no different from street thugs. But an expert could see that Mekk-Knight Purple Nightfall was wildly flailing and clearly unaccustomed to this kind of fighting, while Divergent Lizard Yihao was using a proper Ground Grappling Fist.

Although Ground Grappling Fist was not pretty and could not be used in a formal arena, it was undeniably practical. Especially when an opponent was unprepared, it was easy to drag them to the ground and force both sides into a prone state, thereby firmly seizing the initiative.

Mekk-Knight Purple Nightfall struggled with all its might but still could not break free. They appeared to be trading blows evenly, but in truth, its attacks either missed or were blocked, while every one of Divergent Lizard Yihao's attacks landed, leaving clear fist marks across its body.

If Mekk-Knight Purple Nightfall had not been a mechanical lifeform without an animal's vital weak points, it would probably have suffered a fatal blow to the crotch long ago.

On the other side, Neon Stone Sprite's battle with Mekk-Knight Indigo Eclipse was much more conventional. One used Bubble Beam, while the other used Psychic. The two exchanged standard long-range attacks.

Due to the dual gap in attack power and move strength, Neon Stone Sprite was clearly at a disadvantage. However, thanks to its high defense, it was not in danger for the moment.

By then, You Zhi already had four Spell Cards in hand, all D-rank, but he did not use a single one. He continued crafting.

Seeing that it could not escape and had taken several super-effective Fighting-type attacks from Divergent Lizard Yihao, Mekk-Knight Purple Nightfall decisively activated its trait. The layer of space around its body outline was torn apart, and its sturdy mechanical frame suddenly vanished, sucked into another dimension.

Divergent Lizard Yihao froze for a moment, unable to understand why the opponent in his arms had disappeared without a trace.

"I see. It banished itself and will return during the next Standby Phase."

Remembering the effect description he had seen before, You Zhi immediately reminded Divergent Lizard Yihao, "Don't let your guard down. It will return soon. Watch out for a sneak attack."

Divergent Lizard Yihao nodded, rose to his feet, and watched in all directions with heightened vigilance.

At that moment, You Zhi had six Spell Cards in hand. Just as he was preparing to send Silent Magician into battle, the space in front of him suddenly split open. A cold glint shot through the void and stabbed directly toward his face.

You Zhi hurriedly performed an Iron Bridge to dodge the spear's gleam, then followed through with a kick that sent Mekk-Knight Purple Nightfall, which had just returned from another dimension, flying backward into the armor plates of the Star Armor.

"Why are even spirits trying to attack Trainers? Do none of you have any sportsmanship? Can this world even get better? When will us Trainers finally stand up?"

Furious, You Zhi did not bother summoning Silent Magician. He kicked off with both feet, sending dust flying as he shot forward like an arrow. At the same time, he activated Mimicry Power, and blazing Flame engulfed his legs as he launched a flying kick.

This kick was not Blaze Kick, but a same-form transfer of Fire Punch.

Mekk-Knight Purple Nightfall had just climbed back to its feet when a blazing kick slammed into its face. The force was more than twice as strong as Divergent Lizard Yihao's, and it was instantly sent flying with severe damage.

"I really don't get it. Why do all of you keep forcing me? Why is it so hard to just be a proper spirit Trainer?"

You Zhi maintained the Spell Cards he had already crafted with one hand while using Fire Punch with the other, unleashing a storm-like offensive.

Ignoring its injuries, Mekk-Knight Purple Nightfall rallied. Its spear moved like a dragon, shaking out brilliant blossoms of spear light and displaying peerless martial skill. Yet even so, it still could not gain the upper hand.

The opponent was only using one hand!

Wasn't the summoner supposed to be the weak point?

Mekk-Knight Purple Nightfall could not help doubting the accuracy of the intelligence stored in its database.

Divergent Lizard Yihao was unsurprised. Knowing that his master had no interest in fair duels, he immediately joined the battle. The fight, which had barely remained balanced, instantly became one-sided.

Before long, Mekk-Knight Purple Nightfall was in critical danger. If not for its exceptionally high vitality as an Eight-Star spirit, it would have already been beaten to pieces by the master and servant working together.

Even so, it could not hold out much longer. At that moment, a force suddenly descended and whisked it away like lightning. Mekk-Knight Indigo Eclipse had activated its trait.

(Author's note: Takahashi originally designed Silent Magician as a butt-baring magician, but it was not depicted clearly in the manga at the time. The summon animation in the anime and the Silent Magician LV8 card art in the OCG both mistakenly colored the exposed buttocks as part of her clothing. Later, when designing True Silent Magician, Takahashi overruled all objections and restored the original intent, clearing Silent Magician's name. Unfortunately, this setting was censored in the summoning animation of the Yu-Gi-Oh! mobile game Duel Links.)

Silent Outburst

Mekk-Knight Indigo Eclipse's second trait allowed it to change the position of Mekk-Knights. It still had some strength to spare while fighting Neon Stone Sprite. Seeing its companion in danger, it immediately stepped in to save it.

After venting his anger through that beating, You Zhi calmed down and did not pursue them further. He glanced over and saw that Neon Stone Sprite was already covered in wounds, with barely any vitality left. He took out a Pokémon Card and recalled it, then summoned Silent Magician instead.

You Zhi already had six Spell Cards in hand. With the boost from her trait, Silent Magician's attack power surged to 4050!

She fired a Shadow Ball several times larger than usual. If her old shots had been pomegranates, this one was a durian.

Mekk-Knight Indigo Eclipse hurriedly used Psychic to intercept it, but could not block it at all. The Shadow Ball forced it all the way back before Mekk-Knight Purple Nightfall finally swung its spear and pierced the weakened Shadow Ball. The resulting explosion blasted both Mekk-Knights away.

"Go! Crush them in one go!"

You Zhi activated the Spell Card "Axe of Fools," increasing Divergent Lizard Yihao's attack power by 1000 and completely overwhelming the Mekk-Knights.

Divergent Lizard Yihao grabbed the axe and launched into a frenzy of chops at Mekk-Knight Purple Nightfall. Relying on his superior attack power to suppress his opponent, he used few tricks and fought with sheer fearless ferocity.

The two Mekk-Knights fought together, alternating between long-range and close-range combat with seamless coordination. But Divergent Lizard Yihao and Silent Magician were also old partners. They could execute all kinds of tactical combinations with ease, and their teamwork was no less than their opponents'.

During his usual training, You Zhi had already discovered that Yihao the large lizard seemed particularly skilled at working with Spellcaster spirits. Together, they could display strength greater than two. When paired with Neon Stone Sprite, who was also adept at long-range attacks, that same synergy had not existed.

The two Mekk-Knights were clearly falling behind. Not only were they suppressed in terms of abilities, but they also had no way to use their own traits. If Mekk-Knight Purple Nightfall used its trait to banish itself or its companion, the remaining one would inevitably be surrounded. And with both sides so close together, Mekk-Knight Indigo Eclipse's trait had very little effect.

Worse still, while maintaining six Spell Cards, You Zhi continued crafting new ones and looked for opportunities to interfere with the battle. His total spiritual energy far exceeded that of ordinary people, and since all the cards he crafted were D-rank, they consumed very little spiritual energy.

After fighting fiercely for a while, Divergent Lizard Yihao seized an opening and chopped Mekk-Knight Purple Nightfall's spear in two. The Axe of Fools did not lose momentum as it struck the hardened shell and cleaved it in half like splitting bamboo.